Deaf-mute woman attacked by pit bull

KENTUCKY -- A 59-year old woman who lives in an assisted adult care home because of her special needs is in the hospital after being mauled by a pit bull. She couldn't hear the dog coming or even form the words to say help.

Tony Simpson, who witnessed the attack, tells WDRB News, "I've never never seen nothing like that."

 

The two-year-old pit bull named Rambo sits quarantined in a steel cage at the Breckinridge County Animal Shelter.

Stacey Lucas and her fiance Tony Simpson say the last time they saw the dog in Cloverport, it was trying to tear Shirley Sturgeon apart. 

Simpson says, "The dog was literally just eating the woman. He was not just biting her. He was tearing her meat off and swallowing it."

Shirley Sturgeon lives at Breckinridge Manor. She is deaf and mute and was walking down a road Saturday on the way to a friend's house. It was just about a block from her home that Rambo attacked as she walked up the road.

"I said, 'Honey come up here, they got her down,'" Lucas told WDRB News. She heard groans and became the voice Sturgeon didn't have. 

This photo was taken immediately after the attack

Simpson came with a bat and his nephew brought a machete.  They eventually scared the dog off, though the damage was done.

"I wasn't expecting to see an arm missing practically," Simpson says. "I've never every seen nothing like that."

Sturgeon remains in fair condition at University Hospital. Police say she will have several surgeries to save her right arm. The dog is on death row being observed for ten days for signs of rabies.

Animal Control Officer Tommy Matthews explains, "In this particular incident the owner has surrendered the dog to the shelter, and according to our policy we do not adopt or re-home animals that have bitten or attacked. So after that ten days the dog will most likely be euthanized."

WDRB's Gilbert Corsey tracked down the dog's owner.  Jimmy Sanders faces misdemeanor citations for harboring a vicious animal and permitting it to run at large.  He says, "I'm so sorry.  I wish it wouldn't have happened. I've never had a dog do anything like that and I'll do anything I can to help her out."

Sanders went on to say that the dog was tethered and broke off its post.  He's due in court Next Tuesday.

Sturgeon's family was not available for comment.

(WDRB - August 28, 2012)